NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
The Nashville Electric Service is warning customers to be on guard for scammers, presenting themselves as NES employees asking for personal information.
NES spokesperson Laurie Parker explained to Nashville's News 2 how the scammers are operating.
"They're contacting customers in a variety of ways, by phone, in person or social media. They're alerting the customers that there are federal funds to pay their utility bill," she explained.
However, according to Parker, there is no federal program.
The spokesperson told Nashville's News 2 the scam has victimized utility customers in Texas, California, Illinois and Florida, and most recently Tennessee.
"In Memphis Light Gas and Water, our neighbor, had 1,000 customers targeted," she said.
The consumer alert from NES warns customers to be leery of anyone appearing as an NES employee asking for information.
"Our field employees cannot accept payment. You can always ask for an ID, all of our employees wear a valid ID," she said. "If you're still not sure, call us and we'll let you know if it's legit or not."
Parker said anyone suspecting they are a target of a scam should call NES customer relations at 615-736-6900.
